SKIN

 Hello everyone! How are you all? I hope that you all are fine and I am fine too. Today, I will give you some tips on how to keep your skin healthy, young and fresh. So, let's get started!!

GENERAL INTRODUCTION:- 
Ok, so to begin with, what is skin? The skin is the body's largest organ. It covers the entire body. It is an organ of the human integumentary system. The skin is made up of 3 layers. Each layer has certain functions. The skin is only a few millimeters thick yet is by far the largest organ in the body. The average person's skin weighs 10 pounds and has a surface area of almost 20 square feet. 

LAYERS OF SKIN:-
The skin has three main layers,
1.Epidermis
2.Dermis
3.Subcutaneous Layer

Following is the description of each layer of your skin:-

THE EPIDERMIS
The epidermis is an elastic layer on the outside that is continually being regenerated. It includes the following:

• Keratinocytes - the main cells of the epidermis formed by cell division at its base. New cells continually move towards the surface. As they move they gradually die and become flattened.

• Corneocytes - the flattened dead keratinocytes that together make up the very outer layer of the epidermis is called the stratum corneum or horny layer. This protective layer is continually worn away or shed.

• Melanocytes – produce the pigment melanin that protects against UV radiation and gives skin its color.

THE DERMIS:-
The dermis is the inner layer that includes the following:

• Sweat glands – produce sweat that travels via sweat ducts to openings in the epidermis called pores. They play a role in temperature regulation.

• Hair follicles – are pits in which hairs grow. Hairs also play a role in temperature regulation.

• Sebaceous glands – produce sebum (an oil) to keep hairs free from dust and bacteria. Sebum and sweat make up the 'surface film'.

THE SUBCUTANEOUS LAYER:-
The subcutaneous layer under the dermis is made up of connective tissue and fat (a good insulator). Your subcutaneous tissue is the deepest layer of your skin. The prefix “sub” comes from the Latin word meaning under, and the word cutaneous derives from the Latin word “cutis,” which means skin. Other names for subcutaneous tissue include superficial fascia, hypodermis, subcutis, and tela subcutaneous. No matter what you call it, your subcutaneous tissue plays an essential role in helping your body regulate its temperature and protecting your organs from shock. Subcutaneous tissue is well-vascularized, meaning that it’s filled with blood vessels. It’s also the layer where your body stores visible body fat.
In some parts of your body, such as your eyelids, the subcutaneous layer doesn’t contain fat and can be thinner than 1 millimeter (0.04 inches). In other areas like your buttocks and abdomen, your subcutaneous tissue may be more than an inch thick, depending on your overall body fat percentage. Connected to the bottom of your subcutaneous fascia is muscle covered in a dense layer of connective tissue called your deep fascia. n many parts of your body, the fat in your subcutaneous tissue plays a role similar to insulation in your house. This fat helps protect the deep structures in your body like your muscles and organs from temperature changes and absorbs shock to underlying structures.
The subcutaneous layer plays some other roles, such as:

• gives your body a smooth and contoured appearance

• serves as an attachment site for your underlying muscles and fascia

• stores fat cells that act as energy reserves and produce hormones like leptin

• contains deep pressure sensors

• contains blood vessels that play a role in thermoregulation.

THE FUNCTIONS OF THE SKIN:-

• Provides a protective barrier against mechanical, thermal, and physical injury and hazardous substances.

• Prevents loss of moisture.

• Reduces harmful effects of UV radiation.

• Acts as a sensory organ (touch, detects temperature).

• Helps regulate temperature.

• An immune organ to detect infections etc.

• Production of vitamin D.

Despite all these benefits, our skin is at risk. Because we are human beings, we work and come in direct contact with the sunlight, UV rays, dust, and other elements that make the skin vulnerable to damage. What does that mean? 
Ok, just imagine that you have an army that is well-armed and is supposed to defend its country. But then they are attacked by a virus(just imagine, no serious business here) and then they are exposed and cant defend and lose and die. That is the same with your skin. The difference only here is that there's no virus affecting your skin. What actually can damage your dear skin are as follows:-

THE CULPRITS BEHIND SKIN DAMAGE:-
1. Sun exposure.
2. Free radicals.
3. Smoking cigarettes.
4. Irritants.
5. Smiles and frowns. (As you age, your skin loses elasticity, which means it loses the ability to snap back into place after you make facial expressions the way it did when you were younger, Samie says. As a result, your skin is more likely to show wrinkles even when you’re not frowning or laughing.
While there’s no need to avoid showing expression on your face, you can try to combat wrinkles by preventing skin damage from the sun by using sunscreen. You might also consider using over-the-counter or prescription wrinkle creams or other topical medications to smooth out the skin. Also, there are many procedures available to reduce wrinkles, including microdermabrasion, chemical peels, laser resurfacing, and injectable fillers such as collagen. ( The heading seemed a bit awkward so I thought I ought to give a reasonable explanation behind my idea)) 
6.Using each and every beauty care product without learning about its side effects or to learn who is to use this product. This sometimes can be a red flag as it can damage the skin and make it barren. 
Due to all of this, the skin then experiences blackheads, whiteheads,  acne, etc.

HOW CAN WE COPE WITH ALL THIS?
Following are the steps you can take to keep your skin healthy:- 

• Wash up. Bathe in warm—not hot—water; use mild cleansers that don’t irritate, and wash

• gently—don’t scrub.

• Block sun damage. Avoid intense sun exposure, use sunscreen, and wear protective clothing.

• Don’t use tanning beds or sunlamps. They emit the same harmful UV radiation as the sun.

• Avoid dry skin. Drink plenty of water, and use gentle moisturizers, lotions, or creams.

• Reduce stress. Stress can harm your skin and other body systems.

• Get enough sleep. Experts recommend about 9 hours a night for teens and 7-8 hours for adults.

• Speak up. Talk to your doctor if you notice any odd changes to your skin, like a rash or mole that changes size or color.

• Keep your skin hydrated. Water is a natural factor that keeps the skin hydrated and healthy.

• Avoid TONS of makeup!!

You can also try these natural remedies:-

• Use aloe vera to keep skin strong and healthy.

• Whip Up an Olive Oil Cleanser to Soothe Dry Skin.

• DIY a Rich, Creamy Avocado Mask.

• Make a Natural Olive Oil and Sugar Scrub.

• Create an Easy Oatmeal Soak to Calm Your Skin. 

• Exfoliate Your Face With a Homemade Oatmeal Honey Mask.

• Apply Coconut Oil Before Bedtime.

I am sharing another mask that I make for personal use. Since I have to give my readers every guideline that is helpful for them, so I am sharing the recipe for this mask:-

1. Take 2tbs of Gram flour in a bowl.
2. Add a pinch of turmeric powder to it.
3. Then add a spoonful of either milk or honey and stir.......
4. Then cleanse your skin with a suitable cleanser.
5. Damp your face dry.
6. Then, gently apply the mask all over your face with a face brush that only you use. Let it dry. Make sure you don't contort your skin or that can leave wrinkles!!
7. After you feel the mask dry and cracky, then wash your face gently. Do not rub too hard. 
8. Then dry your face gently with soft tissue paper. 

All done!!

You can place cucumber or cucumber peels on your skin and relax while having a hand or foot massage. Ahhhhhhhhh... so relaxing!!! 
But one thing here I would like to share with you people that don't experiment with your skin. For example, tomatoes are not suitable for every skin type and can make the face itchy and rashy. That is my personal experience I share with you people. So take care of your skin and look beautiful. that's everyone's right!!

Well readers, so that was it. Hope you liked it and if any problems, feel free to ask in the comment section. Suggestions are also appreciated. If you have any remedies in mind that are helpful for skin, do share! Please share and follow my blog. I would write my next blog soon. Till then, bye!💗💗💗